It was an epic battle between good and evil, where every blow and every strategy decided the fate of their cherished freedom.
Galatea felt the sharp tip of the spear dangerously approaching, but she activated her armor just in time. It unfurled with a metallic gleam, enveloping her completely and shielding her as it did for all the warriors of Fuertelia.
"Damn you... So that's why Troba died. You're one of those avocados from the strong family," Mejod growled, unsheathing a sword with a menacing glint. "No matter. You'll die by my hand."
"Girls, go. I'll handle him. Nomak, take care of the rest," Galatea commanded firmly.
Nomak nodded silently and departed alongside Galatea's daughters to support the rest of the allies.
Meanwhile, Rodelos and the others advanced slowly, gaining ground thanks to the combined magic of Alita and Nakia, as well as the destructive power of Chip's explosions. Ron and Chiki were no less fierce, fighting with a ferocious determination that inspired their comrades.
"Come on, attack!" Tertrol shouted to his soldiers, urging them forward with renewed ferocity.
For her part, Opal began launching magical attacks against the enemies, floating elegantly in the air as she approached Alita.
"I'll deal with this mage," Opal declared coldly, preparing another spell.
Alita reacted quickly, unleashing a torrent of fire to counter the ice missiles Opal had sent flying.
"Not bad, girl," Opal sneered with a mocking smile.
"It's good to see you. I don't dislike you, so I ask that you surrender. I don't want to fight you," Alita replied, her voice calm but firm.
"Not me, but I will… For my lord Tertrol!" Opal shot back, launching another attack with renewed fury.
Both mages were locked in a duel of energy, hurling magical strikes that illuminated the battlefield with intense bursts of color.
"Come on, Alita! You can do it!" Nakia shouted from afar, sending out magical gusts to repel the enemies trying to close in on the young mage.
Rodelos and the others continued to push forward, forcing the army of the Red Shadows to retreat. However, the blue, green, purple, and black forces soon joined the offensive, forming an almost impenetrable barrier. Despite this, the allies remained superior in skill and determination.
"Master, they're more skilled than us. That golden mastodon alone is already a problem," muttered a soldier next to Tertrol, pointing at Rodelos.
"It's not just that golden guy, but also the other one who's nearly his size," added another, referring to Gikel.
"Bah! They're weaklings. Go fight those useless fools. We outnumber them," Tertrol ordered dismissively.
"I'm bored, Tertrol. You're not giving me a good show," Urugas remarked from his position, watching the battle unfold with disinterest.
"Don't worry, master. The real fun begins now," Tertrol responded with a malicious grin before turning to Meloc. "Release the Vichus."
Suddenly, a hundred mutant vizcachas emerged from the shadows, charging onto the battlefield with animalistic ferocity. The forces of the Red Shadows retreated strategically, joining the other factions to form a sort of defensive wall while the Vichus advanced relentlessly.
"Later, Alita," Opal said as she floated through the air, returning to Tertrol's side. Before fully retreating, she cast a defiant glance at Alita, accompanied by a subtle gesture, as if to say: "That is, if you survive."
"Very well, I suppose we'll continue later... If you're still alive, woman," Mejod remarked arrogantly, addressing Galatea before stepping back upon seeing the Vichus unleashed.
"With these, my master will be entertained for a while," Tertrol thought to himself as he watched the mutant beasts charge toward their enemies with uncontrollable fury.
"What cowards!" Nomak exclaimed, ready to pursue them, but Galatea stopped her firmly.
"No, it's best we return to the others. Something dangerous is approaching," Galatea warned, her tone reflecting concern.
"What did she mean by that?" Alita muttered to herself thoughtfully, recalling Opal's words before her departure.
"Oh no! It's those things again, Master!" Ron exclaimed, turning to Chiki as he watched the Vichus advance en masse.
"Yes, lad, but now there are far more of them," Chiki replied, his deep voice tinged with seriousness as he observed the beasts' approach.
"It doesn't matter; they're easy pickings now," Ron declared confidently, though Chiki quickly cut him off.
"Don't be so arrogant, boy," the canine reprimanded sternly.
"I'll take down more," Rodelos announced with a competitive grin as he moved past them.
The three threw themselves into battle with all their might to face the beasts.
"Typical of them," Alita commented sarcastically as she watched the scene unfold, but her expression soon shifted as memories of Paltio flooded her mind. Her face hardened, and she mentally prepared herself to confront the Vichus.
Alita conjured discs with razor-sharp teeth imbued in flames, launching them toward the creatures. They knew they had to move quickly and recover Paltio's lifeless body, which still lay behind enemy lines.
Ron activated the second form of his armor, capable of taking on ten of the monsters simultaneously without hesitation. Rodelos was no less relentless, wielding his sword with ferocity, while Chiki fought with the same unyielding determination. Lukeandria used clones of herself to eliminate several Vichus, and both Galatea and Nomak fought with a ferocity that commanded respect.
It wasn't long before the initial group of Vichus was drastically reduced, leaving only ten remaining. These last few were swiftly eliminated by Ariafilis and her team with precise, coordinated movements.
"Is that all you've got?" Ban taunted, pointing at the enemy as they finished off the final Vichus.
"Hmm, it seems your beasts were utterly useless," Urugas remarked disdainfully, addressing Tertrol while pretending to examine his nails. "I expected better from you. I see the enemy is defeating you effortlessly. What a disappointment."
"Relax, my lord. This isn't over yet," Tertrol responded with a malicious smile. He then turned to Meloc and ordered, "Send more!"
Suddenly, two hundred Vichus emerged from the forest, roaring with ferocity as they charged into the fray.
"More of these things? Well, bring it on," Ron said, though his voice betrayed a growing fatigue he couldn't entirely conceal.
"Damn it... The men are exhausted," Rodelos muttered as he watched his team fight with renewed effort but little rest. "But we have no choice. We must defeat them if we want to recover my grandson Paltio."
"No problem," Alita responded with determination, preparing to summon more magic. Her energy shimmered around her, ready to be unleashed at any moment.
Mok sharpened his sword with a swift motion, while Lukeandria wielded small daggers with precision. Lucca gripped her staff firmly, prepared to repel attacks with her exacting magic. Rykaru, still consumed by grief and anger over the death of his father, readied himself with restrained fury; his hands crackled with blue energy that sparked like lightning. Ban and Ludra also prepared for battle, each gripping their weapons tightly. Chip, ever resourceful, loaded his slingshot with small explosive spheres, grinning with confidence. Meanwhile, Ariafilis, Strongia, Hass, and the other two kings raised their swords proudly, ready to face the enemy once more.
The Vichus began their relentless advance, confronting the team with inhuman ferocity. But this time, the sheer number of beasts was overwhelming. Each Vichu was the equivalent of ten soldiers in battle, and soon the allies found themselves outnumbered. The mutant creatures slowly surrounded them, trapping them in a deadly circle.
Just as it seemed they were on the verge of defeat, an enormous magical circle emerged beneath the beasts, engulfing them in intense flames that illuminated the battlefield. The roars of the Vichus were drowned out by the crackling of the fire as many of the creatures collapsed, charred and lifeless.
Then, a blinding light erupted from the center of the magical circle. Amidst the flames, five figures appeared, walking calmly toward the group of allies.
"Be at ease. We have arrived," one of the figures announced in a calm yet authoritative voice, as the flames continued to consume the remaining Vichus.